I was wondering if the courts would allow me to change my son's name to my last name and his father's last name, hyphenated. We were never married, and are no longer together. I am pregnant, and plan on hyphenating this one's last name, and I would like the kids to have the same last names, and just because I don't plan on marrying anytime soon, I would like to be able to share my last name with my oldest boy. Do you think the courts would allow this? I wouldn't be changing his last name totally, just adding another one. And if and when I ever do decide to marry, I am going to hyphenate my name just so I can keep that connection with the boys. Any thoughts? Is it worth trying to get?

Are you in contact with the father and will he agree to the name change?

I don't think he'll agree to the name change.

I did a little reading and one of the reasons they do grant it is so that siblings can share the same last name. Although it says they do notify the father of a request to change your sons name. I honestly cant see you having much of a problem even if the father objects because you are only having a name added.

Sweet! That's what I figured. I'm going to let him know my intentions, so that he doesn't think I'm trying to be sneaky or anything. Thank you for looking that information up! It's nice to know!

Hey Meggin,

Not sure where your located, but I know here in Canada I tried to do the same thing (hyphenating) and was not allowed. I could have applied to court to do so, but chose not to go through the hassel. I was told that in order to make any changes at all to my son's name his father would have to agree. I'm sorry to be a downer, but I just wanted you to know. You should check it out.

Bella

If it is not contested it is easy. You just have to go and state your intentions (write out the order and post it for a week in the courthouse) and then pay $50 for the actual change. If he does contest it, you have to get a lawyer.

Most courts will allow you to change a name as long as everyone agrees. Contested name changes usually have to show that the name change is in the child's best interest.

Good luck Meggs!!

Thanks!Talked with my lawyer last week, and he doesn't see any reason why I won't get the hyphenated last name.

Thats sooo good to hear Meggs, congrats to you.

Hi guys!!! I want to change my daughters last name from her dad's to my last name but I'm not sure how to go about it. I have been reading some of the responses and I would like to avoid going to court. What exactly does this process entail? My daughters father has said he doesn't mind if I change her name but we will see how he feel once I start the process. I am constantly called Mrs. ******* and I hate it. It can be embarrassing for me and her sometimes. Besides I think she should have my name since I'm the one raising her and putting in all the hard work. So can someone please tell me what to expect and how to pursue a name change. Thanks

Hi again, I welcomed you in your other post. This link is what I think you're after.

http://www.scselfservice.org/probate/minor/NameChangeMinor.htm

When you feel a little more relaxed and you're ready for some off topic banter, try the fun lounge. Great people there and it will help with the stress.

Hi jaysdad!!! Thank you so much for that link. It provided all the info I needed. I really do appreciate that. I would love to check out the fun lounge since I don't exactly have the most active social life outside of work and home!!! Haha

Actually, I hate to upset you but courts traditionally will only give the child the last name of the father, and asking for hypening of the mother's name is usually denied. I am having a problem where my EX named the child her maiden name but put me on the birth cirtificate. On top of that she is doind everything possible to make sure I don't have any part of her life, luckily the court stepped in and said I have a right to see my child specially since I am a good father (She was the one with neglecting issues with our other children).

My problem is that I am trying to change her whole name back to what we planned on calling her. She changed the name to what she wanted on spike to make me mad. The courts so far have let her get away with murder, but she has nothing to lose because she already lost custody of her other children so it is only a matter of time I win custody of my third child, legal and custodial. BTW, she is only 3 months old.

The court will always side with the father last name because it is traditional in this country unless there is a special circumstance like you are protecting the child from abusive or something like that.

It is not impossible, but don't be upset if you don't win. It is not easy and I would reccomend you go in to court very prepared. He won't need to be prepared too much for a case like this because the law is clear on issues like this.

I wish you luck in your struggle.